Sorter control device



Jan. v 19, 1954 R. SMITH SORTER CONTROL DEVICE '5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 11, 1950 INVEN TOR. R06 er? L. Spy/f4 A rroe/w ys' R. L. SMITH SORTER CONTROL DEVICE Jan. 19, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb. 11, 1950 .phb

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I lFober-l L 5071'7/1 Jan. '19, 1954 R. SMITH SORTER CONTROL DEVICE Filed Feb. 11, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. ,Poaaer L. 5M fl \R N mm m QM heart stock and sap stock.

Patented Jan. 19, 1954 Robert L. Smith, Tacoma, Wash., assignor to Plywood Research Foundation, Tacoma, Wash., a corporationof Washington Application February 11, 1950, Serial No. 143,701

The present invention relates-to asorter control device. More particularly,v the present invention relates to a deviceffor controlling the sorting mechanism whereby pieces of predetermined size cut from travelling sheet material are selectively removed from an offbearing conveyor associated with the means employed in cutting the pieces, particularly with a'knife'employed in clipping wood veneers in the plywood art.

In making plywood, itis' the present practice to pass the travelling sheets of wood veneer com ing from the lathethrou'gh a clipper which cuts the sheets transversely into strips. The' clipper is controlled by a skilled operator who appraises the travelling sheet as it enters the clipper on the infeed conveyor and cuts the'sheet in a manner calculated to secure optimum utilization" of its content. Thus the sheets may be cut toeliminate unusable portions such as those containing numerousor large knot holes, pitch pockets and decayed and slivered areas. 'The'usableportions which remain then maybe cut to-size as required by the subsequent manufacturing opera tion. Usable sizes might comprise, forfeiiam'ple, those between 8 and 16" inches, 16 and30 inches,

. 30 and 40 inches, and fiO and 52 inches. Each of these sizes may be subdivided furth er into To make possible such aselaebatnejinfe's conveyor of the clipper; may be provided" with a trip chain v as illustratedpfor example, -in the patent to Haumann, U. S.. 2,005,82figwhich isas signed to the Coe ManufacturingjCornpany; The trip chain moves synchronously withthe infeed conveyor. It carries at spaced intervals "g. 2

inch ceritersi a plurality of dogs or; in t em rently manufactured form/index pins slidingly mounted in housings carried by the'chains. As the veneer and the trip chain pass together in front of the operator, he sets the dogs or index .3 Olail ns. (Cl. 214-11) of requiring asubstantial amount of labor. It

pins oppositethe points .onthe've'neer. where he 7 wishes cuts to be made; Upon further progression toward the clipper, the adjusted dogs or index pins engage a cam baror other mechanismhaving for its function the actuation of theclipper kniife, which thereuponrnakes a cut inthe desired place l The cut piecesthen are carried on an outfeed or offbearing conveyor of. substantial length.

stationed along this conveyor are .a group. of

Workmenwhose'task 1111's tofs o'rt out manually the out, pieces bf 'selected size. quality'fand'to tr ns er [them ..to,..bins, thle' discarded mater al passin'gj over the 'end' of thejco'nveyor to crap.

'This arrangement "has the serious." di a v t also places the responsibility of sorting the cut pieces upon a group of workmen who may or may not be skilledin grading wood veneers. If this 7 group lacks therequisiteskill, the'carefulselec tion made by the skilledoperator of the clipper obviously is wasted,'since the pieces cut in accordance with his judgment may or may not be transferred to the correct storage bin. Hence it would be highly desirable to provide means associated with the knife-actuating means of the trip chain which, aftera suitable time delay, will operate to transfer automatically the clipped pieces of veneer to their respectivev storage bins.

A suitable type'of sorting and transfer apparatus for accomplishing such a transfer is disclosed in the patent application of Harold R. Evans and Dale L. 'Schuberu S erial No. 770,540; nowIU. S. Patent 2,497,874; the mechanism being illustrated in connection with'the veneer clipper of the Miller patent, U. S. 2,394,558. A control device whereby the Evans et al. sorting'inechanism may be actuated by the operator of the clipper at the time of determining the points at which the cuts are to be made is set forth in thepate'nt application of Dale L. Schubert, Serial No. 33,050. In the latter patent application, the control device is disclosed and illustrated with reference to the clipper of the Roblins on Patent'US. 1,753,967 as well as that of the aforementioned Haurnann patent, s. 2.005,324-,

In thecontrol device of the Schubert patent application, [there are provided a plurality of electric switches attached to the frame of the infeed conveyor "at spaced? intervals corresponding to the spacing between the'dogs or index fingers .(l los.l29 to 55, inclusive) on the trip chain. On each of the s witches' is a finger orswitch-operating lever 57 adapted to contact any dog or'index finger on the trip'chain which has been adjusted to'knife actuating position, This'actuatesa time delay mechanism in such'a manner that an element'of the sorting mechanism stationed along the offbearing' conveyorioperates to remove the particular" pieceof veneer which has been cut as a result of setting the particular dog or index finger actuating the sorting element.

The control device disclosed in the present application is an improved modification of that disclosed inthe Schubert patent application, Serial N 0; 33,959, iinthat the multiplicity of switches employed in the embodiment of the latter application is replaced-with a stepper switch, i. e., a switch having therein a plurality of Contact points and a contact arm adapted to be moved by successive electric impulses stepwise from one contact point to the next. This specific construction has the important advantage of accomplishing the desired automatic control or" the sorter mechanism by means of a device which is simple in construction, inexpensive, and reliable in operation, since there are few working parts which may get out of order.

The construction and manner of operation of the control device of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying specification and claims considered together with the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the control.

device of the present invention'as applied to a Coe clipper of current design;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration similar to Figure 1 but illustrating the control device of the present invention in another embodiment;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic plan with parts removed and some brokenaway in the interest of clearness, of a device illustrating a manner of employing the present invention; and

Figure l is a fragmentary diagrammatic view in elevation of the apparatus in Fig. 1, and showing a partial wiring diagram.

In the drawings, see particularly Fig; 1, the trip chain of a veneer clipper is indicated generally at It. As explained above, this chain moves synchronously with the. infeed conveyor and is adapted to actuate the knife of the clipper. The chain is provided at spacedintervals, e. g., twoinch centers, with sleeveslZ in whichare mounted slidably the index fingers M. The index fingers are adapted to be adjusted inwardly and have at their inner extremities'feet Iii-for contacting cam bars [8. The latter correspond-to cam bars 67 in Figure 7 of the'afo'resaid. Haumann Patent U. S. 2,005,824 and have for their function the actuation of the clipper knife.

Contact between the index'fingers and the cam bars 18 is caused by means of the member 20 having a' cam surface 22 whichis adaptedto engage the curved surfaces of the heads 24 of those index fingers which have been adjustedinwardly, thereby further displacing them until they are in operative engagement with the cam bars 18; It will be apparent that suchengagement is had only whenthe index fingershave been adjusted inwardly'into operative position, the member 2% being so dimensioned that it passes beneath the-flat, under surfaces of those index pins which have not been adjustedand which, therefore, are in inoperative position. After having actuated the clipper knife, the index pins which have been adjustedto operative position are returned. to inoperative position automatically by suitable means, such as a conventional wiper bar (not shown). The index pins selected for illustration herein thus are'the full equivalent of such knife actuating means as the lugs 65 illustrated particularly in Figure 50f the I-Iaumann Patent 2,005,824, referredtto above;

The index pins I also contact electric switches 31] and 32 as they pass in front of the operator in synchronism with the infeed-conveyor: These switches are mounted at suitablestations-on the frame of the clipper and are associated with stepper switch means 34; Switches wand 32 are of the class of switches having pivotally mounted arms 36 and 33, respectively, adapted-to contact the index'pins and to close the switches-of which they are component parts with each such contact. Switch 36 is arranged to contact each of the pins as it passes the SWitchstatIQD-J SW Wh 32 is arranged, however, so that the arm 33 thereof will contact only those pins which have been adjusted inwardly to operative position.

The stepper switch means 34 with which the switches 36 and 32 are associated may be of any suitable construction wherein a contact arm is advanced stepwise along a series of contact points upon the reception of periodic electric impulses. In the illustrated form, the stepper switch comprises a plurality of contact points ii] arranged in groups indicated generally by the letters A, B, C, D, and E1, the contact members of groups B, C, D, and E. being banded together in separate electric circuits. There is one contact point for each of the index pins on the trip chain and,

just as the'pins correspond to 2-inch spacings on the veneer, so the contact points represent similar spacings. Thus the contact points of group A correspond to veneer widths up to eight inches; those of group B to veneer widths of between 8and 16inches; those of group C to veneer widths of between 16 and 30 inches; those of group D to veneer widths of between 30 and 40 inches; and those of group E to veneer widths of between 40 and 52 inches.

A contact arm 32 is rotatably mounted on pin 44 and has at the extremity thereof a finger .8 adapted to contact stop 48. The contact arm moves stepwise from contact point to contact point upon periodic energization of the stepper relay 50. This moves arm 52 with each impulse, thereby advancing the contact arm 42 one contact point for each impulse through the agency of the pawl 54. The latter is adapted to engage notched wheel 56 to which the contact arm 42 is attached by means of pin 58. The notched wheel 5S and the contact arm 42 which it carries thus are rotated in clockwise direction as viewed in the drawing, this rotation being accomplished against the tension of a torsion spring (not shown) and the contact arm being maintained at each stage of its stepwise advancement by means of the restraining pawl 69.

Release of the contact arm 42 and its return to its original or zero position with the finger 46 against the stop 48 is accomplished upon energizationof the reset relay 62. This actuates the release arm 64 which is in operativeengagement with the shank portions of the pawls 54, 653. Upon actuation of the release arm, these pawls will be moved out of contact with the notches in notched wheel 55 which, together with the attached contact arm d2, will be returned by the torsion spring to its original or zero position. It is to. be understood, however, that such a stepper. switch construction is conventional and forms no part of the present invention except insofar as it cooperates with the other elements thereof in providing a control device of the type disclosed herein. It is further to be understood that the particular stepper switch described is illustrative only, there being available others having constructions which, for the purposes of the present invention, are the full equivalents of the illustrated stepper switch construction.

Also associated with the stepper switch 34 is the sorting mechanism whereby cut pieces of veneer of selected widths are sorted and transferred to the appropriate bins. In the embodiment illustrated, the sorting mechanism comprises four elements and therefore is adapted to sort the cut veneers according to width into four classes. The veneers may besorted into as many S1l0hc1asses as may be desired, however, by increasing the number of sorting elements comprising the sorting mechanism.

In the drawing, the sorting elements are indicated generally at B, C, D, and E, which are connected in the electric circuit with the contact groups B, C, D, and E, respectively, of the stepper switch. The elements of the sorting mechanism are illustrated in fragmentary, schematic form and correspond to the similar elements illustrated in Figure 4 of the aforesaid patent application of Schubert, Serial No. 33,050. Their construction is set forth in detail in the aforesaid patent of Evans and Schubert, U. S. 2,497,874. r

In brief, each of the elements of the sorting mechanism comprises a grooved wheel (103), a catch '52 (107) adapted to ride in the groove, a plurality of lugs it (106) and solenoids I6, 78,- 80, 82 (72, 74, 76, 7 8), the parenthetical numbers being the numbers given in the aforesaid patent of Evans and Schubert, U. S. 2,497,874, for the corresponding parts. The operation of the elements of the sorting mechanism is such that when one of the solenoids It, It, 80, 82 is energized, it releases the catch 72 associated with it from the lug with which the catch is engaged, thereby initiating the operation of the sorting mechanism element.

Assuming that electrical conductor 95 is connected to the hot side of the current source, electric energy therefrom will be conducted to the switch 30. I contact of the arm 36 with one of the index fingers I4 as they pass by the switch in succes sion, current will pass through line 92 to'the stepper switch relay 50. switch 30 is momentary only during the brief interval that the arm 36 is in contact with'the passing index pin, the resulting impulse will cause momentary attraction of the arm 52 toward the solenoid, this motion advancing the contact arm 42 to the next contact unit through the agency of the pawl 54 and the notched wheel 58 to which the contact arm is attached. The electric impulse then leaves the solenoid 50 via line 94, and the return line 96.

The above described action occurs successively as the trip chain I0 moves along synchronously with the veneer on the infeed conveyor and thus advances the contact arm 42 of the stepper switch into contact with successive points as long as the index pins remain in inoperative position. However, when the latter are adjusted inwardly to operative position, i. e., to a position in which they actuate the clipper knife, they also operate to close switch 32 through its arm 38. This will occur contemporaneously with the closing of switch 30 by an inoperative index pin since the two switches are so arranged on the frame of the clipper as to be operable in unison. When it does occur, current fiows through line 00, switch 30, line 92, line 93, switch 32, line Hi0, and thence through line I62. It will then flow through and energize whichever one of solenoids I6, 18, 80, and 82 is connected to the particular group of contact points 40 with which the contact arm 42 is in contact at that particular moment.

Thus if the contact arm is in contact with one of the contact points of group B, as is the case in Figure 1, current will flow through line I02, solenoid 78, line I04, the contact band interconnecting the contacts of group B, the contact arm 42, line I06, and thence to the return line 96. This will actuate the elements B of the sorting mechanism and the clipped piece will be trans- Since the closing of ferred automatically to the appropriate bin, which, in accordance with the illustrative case presented herein, will be that containing strips Each time this switch is closed by having a width of between 8 and 16 inches. 7

If the contact 42 is in contact with one of the contact points of group C at the time of closing switch 32, then the current will follow lines I02 and I08, solenoid 18, line I I0, the band connecting the contact units of group C, contact arm 42, line I 00, and thus to return line 95. In this case, the sorting element C will operate to transfer the piece clipped in response to actuation by the index pin which has closed the switch 32, to the appropriate bin, for example, the bin containing pieces having widths of between 16 and 30 inches.

In the event that the contact arm 42 is in contact with one of the contacts of group D at the time switch 32 is closed by an index pin which has been advanced to operative position, current will follow line I02, line I !2, solenoid. 8%, line lit, the band'connecting the contacts of group D, contact arm 42, line I06, and finally return line 96. Thus element D of the sorting mechanism will be activated, and the cut piece will be transferred automatically to the proper bin, for example the bin containing pieces having widths of between 30 and 42 inches.

If the contact arm is in contact with one of the contacts of group E when switch 32 is closed, then current will follow lines M2, M6, solenoid 82, line I I8, the band connecting the contacts of group E, contact arm 42, line E05, and thence to return line 96. In this case, the element E" of the sorting mechanism will be activated and automatically will transfer the clipped piece to the bin of corresponding sizes, 1. e., to the bin containing pieces cut to a width of between 42 and 52 inches.

If it should occur that the switch 32 is closed ata time when the contact arm 52 is in contact with one of the contacts of group A, then the sorter control mechanism will not be set in op eration, since no corresponding element thereof is connected to the contact units of this group. The particular piece out upon actuation of the clipper knife in this instance therefore will pass off the end of the conveyor to the scrap pile, its width being in the illustrated case less than 8 inches.

Upon closing the switch 32 and contemporaneously with the energization of one of the ele-- ments B, C, D, and E of the selector mechanism, if such occurs, current passes via line I05),

through line I20, solenoid 52, line I 22, and finally return line 95. This momentarily energize the reset solenoid $2, moving release arm t l in a clockwise direction and releasing pawls fi l and 50 from the notched wheel 55. Moved by the tension of the torsion spring associated therewith, the contact arm 42 returns to its initial position and again starts its stepwise traversal of the contact points upon successive closures of switch 35 by contact of arm 3'6 with the index pins in inoperative position.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, there will be the same number of grooves in the drum assembly 278 as there will be solenoids of the character 76 and 78, 8d and 82. As .four of said solenoids are shown only four of the grooves in the drum assembly 273 need be utilized, said grooves are numbered 279 to 236 inclusive. Each groove 219 to 286 inclusive has a plurality of pawls or lugs M therein and the showing of each There will be one transfer means controlled by each of the switches, but only the transfer means controlled by switches 281, 283, and 289 are shown in Fig. i, and the others have been broken away. As the peripheral speed of the drum assembly 2'58 has a direct relation to the lineal speed of the out-bearing belt 256, the space between the catch portion of the catch '52 which is associated with the lugs it in the groove 2 s and the switch 281 will bear a definite relation to the position of the transfer means 295. The time in which it will take a lug Hi in the groove Zia to travel, after being released, and operate the switch 281 will be the same time as it takes a piece of veneer to travel to the transfer means 2%. Thus, as the circuit is closed through one of the groups of contacts B, C, D or E and particularly B for illustration, it will release lugs in groove 2'59 and at a delayed time afterwards, calculated in relation to the spacing of the transfer means 2555 as respects the knife 257, these lugs it will operate a switch means 28?. Similarly, as lugs it are re leased in the groove 239 by reason of operation of a circuit established through group of contacts C, it will operate switch 283 and the time delay will be the same time delay that is required for veneer stock to travel on the out-bearing belt from the cutter knife 25? to the transfer means 2%. Again, when lugs are released in the groove 28!, by action of a circuit established through group of contacts D, it will operate switch 289 and at a time delay which is the same as that required for veneer stock to travel on the out-bearing belt 25% to the transfer means 29?. The remaining switches 296 to 29% inclusive will have their circuits and will be associated with transfer means similar to transfers 295 to 2%? inclusive. The spacing of the switches 290 to 29 inclusive around the periphery of the drum assembly 218 will be such to provide time delay equal to the time delay required to transfer the veneer stock on the out-bearing conveyor 256 to the location of the transfer means associated with said switches. The circuit controlled by the lugs in groove 2W (see Fig. 3) comprises (see Fig. 4) one conductor 258, connected to a source of energy, solenoid controlled valve means 299, conductor 3G8, switch 28? and conductor 39! connected to the other wire of said source of electrical energy.

Our invention is not limited to a particular type of transfer means and thus transfer means 295 to 29? inclusive are to be considered as illustrative and hence they are somewhat diagrammatically shown. As so shown, an air cylinder 302 is provided with a traveling piston 303. Upon energizing of solenoid in valve means 299, the rod 3% moves upwardly. The transfer means 295 comprises a plurality of driven belts 365, which are driven from any suitable source (not shown). A cross-shaft 36 mounts a frame structure 38? for pivotal movement. The frame structure 30'! supports shafts 3% which in turn support rolls 399. Thefree end of the frame structure 301 is raised upon energizing of the solenoid of valve means 299, through piston 383', rod 334, and frame structure 3%. Then veneer stock on out-bearing'conveyor 256 will rise up belts 305 and engage transverse live roll 3 l i) (only the end fragments being shown in Fig. l) and thence be transferred to the live rolls 3!! and thence to any suitable location. The source of power to drive live rolls 3H} and 3 i l is not shown. The piston 363 and parts connected therewith are raised and lowered respectively by air under pressure entering inlet conduit M2 and leaving outlet conduit 3|3. The piston 393 is held in raised position for a time period sufficient so that the live roll 3! will control the movement of the piece of veneer and insure that such a piece will be delivered to the live rolls 3| I. When the live roll 31%] has control of the piece of veneer stock, then the piston 333 and parts connected therewith Will be lowered. Thus, if the next following piece of stock is one which is to be transferred by a subsequent transfer means in the line of travel of the out-bearing conveyor 256, the transfer means 295 will be lowered at a time period and be out of transfer relation as to pieces of veneer stock which it is not to transfer. As the transfer belts 385 work between the belts of the out-bearing conveyor 25%, the free end of such belts can be raised or lowered. Also, if a piece of veneer stock is being transferred by the belts 365, the next piece of veneer can travel part way up the belts 395 when they are raised, and then said belts can be moved downwardly (from the dotted line position to the full line position in Fig. 4) before the piece contacts live roll 3H1. The next following piece will pass under live rolls BIB and 3! I and continue to the transfer means which are to transfer the same off the out-bearing conveyor 256.

Each time that the solenoid i6 is energized, a lug will be released and will travel with a wheel 19 which has the groove 2W therein. As each lug passes the switch till, the switch 28? will be energized sufficiently long to permit transfer of the piece off the conveyor 25%. After each transfer, the transfer means 295 is lowered to let the pieces of stock of other sizes move along the outbearing conveyor until they reach a predetermined and selected transfer means.

The means to control the transfer means is the same as that described in connection with the control of the transfer means 255 except that the same is controlled by a switch 288 which in turn is controlled by lugs in the groove 28 6. A similar change is true of each subsequent transfer means as 291, and the control means for the transfer means 257 is controlled by the lugs in the groove 22H and the switch 233. It is felt that it would serve no useful purpose in showing the transfer means and the circuits involved which involve switches 296 to 294 inclusive, and hence the same have not been illustrated and described.

As to transfer means 2% and 291 the parts correspond to the parts described in connection with the transfer means 295 and have the numbers and correspond as will be now indicated.

In connection with transfer means 2% and 29?, as respects transfer means 255, conductor 31 corresponds to conductor 293; valve means 3i?) to valve means 29s; conductors Sit to conductor 300; conductors 3 I 1 to conductor 36 I.

As previously stated the switches 288 and 289 operate to respectively release lugs 14 in grooves 9' 289 and 23I in response to energizing of solenoids I8 and 85. Also, air cylinders 3I8 correspond to air cylinder 3132; pistons ale to piston 383; rods 32!] to rod 364; belts 32I to belt 305; cross shafts 322 to cross shaft 35%; frame structures 323 to frame structure 39?; shafts 32.4 to shaft 308; rolls 325 to rolls 3B9 live rolls 323 to live roll 3H3; live rolls 32'! to live rolls BI I; inlet conduits 328 to inlet conduit 3&2; and exhaust conduits 329 to exhaust conduit SIS; From such corresponding parts and their inherent mode of operation, ob-

viously the transfer means 295 and Et'iwill be respectively operated each time a lug F4 in grooves 236 and 23! contact respectively switches 288 and 239. The operation of switch 238 will be responsive to solenoids i8 and 3c.

The foregoing description of transfer means, which may be employed in connection with the control solenoids l6, 78, 89, and 82 and which are energized each time reset solenoid E2 is energized, obviously are illustrative and may be employed either in connection with the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings or in connection with that of Fig. 2 of the drawings.

It will be apparent'that a construction such as that described above will operate to advantage when the time required to release the contact arm 42 and return it to its initial position is less than the time required for successive closures of switch 30. However, since the trip chain may travel at speeds of up to 160 feet per minute, it may be desirable to include a plurality of steppin switches in the presently described control device, one of these becoming energized at the time when another is deenergized and returning to its initial position. The stepper switches thus operate alternately and there is no danger of inaccuracy by reason of closure of switch so while a stepper switch is returning to its initial position; A con-. struction whereby this is accomplished is illustrated in Figure 2. v

In the embodiment of Figure 2, a trip chain indicated generally at I carries at spaced intervals, as in the embodiment of Figure 1, a plurality of adjustable index fingers I 26. The latter are adjustable laterally with respect to the trip chain and are provided with contact members or feet I21, adapted to contact'and actuate when in advanced or operative. position the cam bars of the clipper. The index fingers also are adapted to close periodically the switches indicated generally at I and I 32. These are. stationed at suitable positions on the frame of the infeed. conveyor and correspond to switches 39 and 32 of Figure 1.

As before, the construction of the stepper switch means may be varied provided it accomplishes the end result of establishing stepwiseengagement of a contact member with a plurality of contacts upon the reception by the switch of periodic electric impulses. The stepper switches I34 and I34 of Figure 2 may be identical in construction and may each comprise a plurality of contact points I46, I49 arranged in a circle at spaced intervals. The contact points of both switches may be arranged in groups F, G, H, I,

' J, and K, L, M, N, 0, respectively. The contact points of groups F and K are not connected, while those comprising groups G, H, I, J, and L, M,N, 0 may be banded together by means of electric conductors to form parts of independent electric circuits. a v

The electric circuit is completed through the contact points. I40, I40 by means of conducting contact 'arms I'42,'- I42'. These are .pivotally' 10 mounted by-pins I44, I44 and bear at their outer ends fingers I46, I46 which are adapted to engage stops I48, I48.

Stepwise advancement of the contact arms is accomplished by means of the stepper solenoids I50, I53 acting upon the advancing arms I52,

I52 pivotally connected to pins I44, Md and cartying pawls I54, I54. The latter engage notchedwheels I56, IiiIi. llence upon periodic energiza tion of either of the stepper solenoids I55, I56, the corresponding one of notched wheels 55%, I55 will be advanced one notch at a time, this movement advancing contact arms M2, M2 one con tact at a time, the contact arms being connected to the notched wheels through pins I53, I58.

After each energication of the stepper solenoids I50, I59, the advancing arms I52, I52 return to their initial position by spring means (not shown). During thisprocess, the notched 4 Wheel is maintained in its set position by means of the retaining pawls Itil, I63.

When it is desired to reset the stepper switches by releasing the contact arms I42, Hi2 and permitting their re turn to their initial positions under the tension of torsion springmeans (not shown) but against which they have been advanced, reset solenoids I62, I 62 are energized.

Thisactuates release arms Ifid, m4 which en gage the sha nk portions of the pawls I54, I65] and I54 and Hit, respectively. Upon disengagement of these pawls from their respective notched wheels, the latter return to their initial position carrying with them their respective contact arms which thus are returned to positions at which l The individual circuits in which contact unit groups G, H, I, J, and L, M, N, O are incorporated include elements G, H, I, .J of the sorting mechanism As in the embodiment of Figure 1, these elements correspond to elements operated by solenoids T72, 74, and 78 of the aforesaid patent Evans and Schubert, U. S. 2,497,874. In each element of the sorting mechanism, there is a grooved drum II!) (103) a catch I72 r107), and .inthe groove a plurality of lugs I14 (106) ,the parenthetical numerals referring to the corresponding parts of the elements of the said patent. Solenoids I16, I18, I80, and I 82, corresponding respectively to solenoids 72, 74, 76, and 78 of the through a suitable system of linkages. The action of the impulse relay is such that upon successiveenergizations of the solenoid thereof the arm I86 oscillates betweenthe positionssh own in-solid lines and dotted-lines. Asit moves in this manner, it causes the switch plates Isl, letto oscillate ibetween corresponding positions.- Whenthe'sWitch'plates are in the position indicated by -solid' lines, the stepper switch 53% is energized whereas when the switch plates are in their dotted line -position, the stepper switch I34" is energized.--

As the index-pins I26 pass in succession the station at which switch I30 is located on the frame ofcthe infeedconveyor, they close this switch through the operation of the arm I36. This closes the circuit so that electric energy from a suitable source passes through line I90, switch I30, line I92, switch plate I81, line I93, stepper solenoid I50, line I94,line I95, and thence to return line I96 via line I91. Therefore, with each closure of switch I30, an electric impulse passes through stepper solenoid I50, energizing the same and causing the stepwise advancement of the contact arm I42 to the next contact.

Whena selected index pin has been adjusted inwardly to operative position, it will close switch I32 through the action of the movable arm I38 which contacts the pin. Switch I32 is so arranged that such closure will occur contemporaneously with the closing of switch I30 by a trailingindex pin. Current therefore will pass through line I90, switch I30, line I92, line I98, switch I32, line I99, line 200, line 202, and thence through whichever one of solenoids I16, I18, I80, I82 is connected in the circuit to contact arm I42 f stepper switch I34.

If, as is indicated in Figure 2, the contact arm is in contact with one of the contact points of group G, then current from line 202 will pass through solenoid I16, line 203, line 204, the band connecting the contact points of group G, contact arm I42, line 206, line I91, and thence to return line I96. This will result in the actuation of element G of the sorting mechanism so that the particular piece clipped upon actuation of the clipper knife by the index pin closing switch I32 will be transferred to the appropriate bin. Where the index pins are spaced apart at twoinch intervals, this'will be the bin containing pieces having widths of between 8 and 16 inches.

If, however, the contact arm I42 is in engagement with one of the contacts of group H of stepper switch I34 at the time switch I32 is closed by an index pin moved to operative position, then current from line 202 will pass through line 208, solenoid I18, line 209, line 210, the conducting band interconnecting the contact points of group H, contact arm I42, line 206, line I91, and return line I96.- This. will actuate the element H of the sorting mechanism so that the clipped piece will be transferred to the corresponding bin which, in the case illustrated, will be the bincontaining pieces having widths of between 16 and 30 inches.

If, at the time of closing switch I32 by an index pin adjusted to operative position, the contact arm I42 is in engagement with one of the contact points of group I of stepper switch I34, then current from line 202 will pass through line 2I2, solenoid I80, line 2I3, 1ine'2I4, the connecting band of contact group I, contact arm I42, line 206, line I91, and return line I96; Thereupon the element I of the sorting mechanism will transfer the cut piece to the bin which in the illustrative case contains pieces havin widths of between 30 inches and 42 inches.

If, however, the contact arm I42 is in contact with one of the contacts of group J at'the time switch I32 is closed, then current will follow line 202, 2I6, solenoid I82, lines 2-I1 and 2-I-8, the band connected with the contact points of group J, contact arm I42, line 206, line I91, and return line I96. This will actuate the element J of the sorting mechanism so that thecut piece will be transferred to the bin which, in the case illustrated herein, contains pieces having widths of between 42 inches and 52 inches.

In the event that the contact arm I42v isllocated in engagement with one of the contact:

points of group F at the time of closing switch I32, not having progressed sufiiciently to have reached thecontact points of groups G, H, I or J, then none of the elements of the sorting mechanism will be actuated. As a result, the piece clipped by operation of the knife upon actuation or" the latter by the particular index pin which has closed switch I32 will be carried the length of the ofibearing conveyor and will pass to scrap.

In addition to energizing one of the solenoids I19, I18, I89, and I92, closing of the switch I32 operates. to release stepper switch Its so that the contact arm thereof is returned to its initial position, i. e., with the finger I45 engaging the stop I48. This is accomplished by energize, tion of the reset relay IE2, current from input line I99 passing through switch I30, line I92, line I98, switch I32, line I99, line 2I9, switch plate I93, line 229, reset solenoid I92, line 222, line 223, line I95, line I91, and return line I99 Upon energizing the reset solenoid I82 in this manner, the'pivoted arm I9 3 releases the pawls I54, I from their respective notches in the notched wheel i59, which then is returned by the torsion spring associated therewith to its initial position, carrying with it the attached contact arm I42 in the manner explained hereinabove.

However, since the return of the contact I42 to its original position may require a time interval greater than that required for successive index pins to pass switch I30, a second stepper switch also is included in the circuit, togetl with means for energizing the same and deep-- ergizing the first stepper switch at the time it is returned to its initial position. The contact arm of the second stepper switch then is advanced stepwise with the successive passage of the index pins, the contact arm of the first stepper switch remaining idle for the time being.

Such means comprise, as indicated above, the impulse relay I95. Upon closing switch I92, current passes through line I99, line 299, line 224, through the solenoid of impulse relay I85, through line 228, and thence to return line 2%. Energization of the solenoid in impulse relay I85 moves the arm I89 thereof and connected switch plates I81 and I38 to their dotted outline positions. This disconnects stepper switch I33 from the circuit and connects therewith switch I34. The latter operates in a manner identical with the manner of operation of stepper switch I34. Thus, upon closing switch I30, current from line I90 passes through swich I39, line I92, switch plate I81, line 223, stepper solenoid I59, line 230, line 232, lines 223, I99, I93, and return line I99. This energizes the stepper switch solenoid I50, periodically, thereby advancing stepwise the contact arm I42.

Upon closing switch I32, one of elements H, I, and J is actuated, depending upon which of the contact-point groups L, M, N, and :0 contains the contact points engaged by contact I42 at the time of closing switch I32. If contact arm I42 is at one of the contact points of group L, then element G of the sorting mechanism will be activated, the current flowing through switch, I32, lines 209, 292, solenoid I16, lines 203 and 239, the band connecting the contact points of group L, contact arm I42, and lines 239, 234, 223, I99, I9? and thus to return line I99.

If the contact arm is at one of the contact points at group M at the time of closing switch I 32, then current will flow through switch I32, lines I99, 200, 202, 208, solenoid I18, line 209.

' complish the desired result.

further that as many elements as are desired tact points of group 1V", contact-arm M2 and lines-23$, 235,223, 195, it? and return line 19. 5.

If the contact arm isat one of the contact points of group N at the time of closing switch h n current-from.input-line i9i will flow switch 5'32, and lines Hill 265i, 262, 2l2, solenoid lineszit and 2 32, the contact band connecting the contact points of group N, contact arni i 52, and lines 238, 23 2,2215, 9%, l9? and return line 585.

Ii, upon closing switch E32, is at one of the contact points of group 0, then current flowing through switchiSll will. follow lines its, 2st, 252,215, solenoid l82ylines 21-? and ace, the conducting band interconnecting the contact points of group 0, contact. arm M2, and lines 238,234, 223, I95, i9? and return line I85. I

Thus when stepper switch. 53 i .is employed, one of the elements G, HZI, J of thesorting mechanism is energized to transfer the cut pieces to' bins containing pieces having Widths of from 8 to '16 inches, 16 to 30inches, 30 to lizinches, and. 2 to 52 inches, respectively, depending. upon whether the contact .arm is at one of the contacts of group L, M, N, or O; If the contact arm is at one ofthecontacts K, one of the elements or the sorting mechanism is actuated, and the cut piece passes over'the end oflthe offbearing conveyor to scrap.

After a given operation of the stepper switch 534%, as determined by closing. of switch 932, its contact arm Hi2 is returned tothe initial position in which the finger M6 is adjacentithe stop 548. T is is accomplished by means of the reset relay H52. Upon closing switch I32, current flowing therethrough will follow lines H59, 259, switch plate 88 (in dotted 'outlineposition), line reset solenoid E62, lines 2423, 232, 234, 223, ltd, lll, and return line 5%... Energization of this relay releases pawls use and E63 through the action of release arm its, whereupon notched wheel E55 returns to its zero position carrying arm M2 withit.

contemporaneously with the inactivation of stepper switch sec, stepper switch {3:3 is reactivated by operation of the impulse relay. This occurs as explained above, current passing through closed switch I32, then following lines E99, 2%, 22d, through the solenoid of the impulse relay, and thence through line 226 to return line let. This returns the arm let of the impulse relay to its solid line position, thereby returning at the same time the switch plates l8l, 588 to their solid line positions. At these positions of the switch plates, the stepper switch ISG is activated and continues the control of the sorting mechanism. In this manner, stepper switches is and i3 3 are energized alternately as switch E32 is closed by succeeding index pins which have been adjusted to operative position.

Although in the above illustrative case the operation of the control device has been described with reference to two stepper switches in circuit together, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that as many stepper switches may be included in the circuit as are necessary to ac- It will be apparent may be included in the sorting mechanism. For example, it often is desirable to sort the cut pieces not only according to their Width but also according to whether they comprise heart stock or sap stock. In. this case, there will be one the contact arm bin and acorre'sponding element in the sorting mechanism for. heart stock and one for sap Hence by the present invention, I have pro,-,

vided' a simple but accurate device for controlling the operation of a mechanism whereby cut pieces are sorted and transferred to appropriate bins from the off-bearing conveyor of a wood veneer clipper or related apparatus. In addition, the device of my invention is reliable in opera: tion, and readilyv adaptable in multiple units to situations wherein the feed material is passing through the clipper at a very high rate. It is applicable generally, furthermore, to any of the types of clippers wherein the infeed conveyor is provided with a trip chain moving synchronously withthe conveyor and having lugs, dogs, in-

dex pins or other contact means at spaced in-' tervals and adapted to contact and close suitably stationed electric switches.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a' preferred example of thesame' and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departingfrom the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: T l.- Incombinationin an apparatus of the type described, I an iii-feeding conveyor, off-bearing sorter'nie'ans including a plurality of electrically-controlled power means for selectively operating said sorter means, a. plurality of actuating circuits'each connected to control one of said power means'andeach including an actuating switch, 'a' plurality of. time delay devices each arranged to operate one of said actuating switches and each provided with an electro-responsive actuator, an endless movable control member synchronized with said iii-feeding conveyor, said control member including a plurality of actuating clogs equally spaced therealong and each selectively movable between an active and. an inactive position, a first control switch positioned adjacent said movable control member and arranged to be actuated successively by each of said dogs as said control member is moved, a second control switch positioned adjacent said movable control member and arranged to be actuated successively by only such of said dogs as are in said second position, a resettable stepper switch, means controlled by said first control switch for actuating said stepper switch to count the passage of said dogs, and means controlled by said second control switch for simultaneously resetting said stepper switch and energizing a selected one of the electro-responshre actuators of said time delay devices in accordance with the count of said stepper switch at the time said second control switch is actuated.

2. In combination in an apparatus of the type described, an in-feeding conveyor; off-bearing sorter means including a plurality of electrically ing said sorter means; an endless movable control member arranged beside said in-feeding conveyor and synchronized therewith, said control member including a plurality of actuating elements spaced therealong at equal intervals and each selectively movable between a first position and a second position; a first control switch positioned adjacent said control member and arranged to be successively actuated by each of said actuating elements as said control member is moved; a second control switch positioned adjacent said control member and arranged to be actuated only by such of said actuating elements as have been moved to said second position; stepper switch means including a series of contacts arranged in successive interconnected groups, a movable stepper contact, electro-responsive stepping means for stepping said movable contact successively along said series of contacts, and electro-responsive reset means for returning said movable contact to an initial position; circuit means connecting said first control switch to control said stepping means; circuit means connecting said second control switch to control said reset means; a plurality of actuating circuits each connected to control one of said power means and each including an actuating switch; a plurality of time delay means each arranged to operate one of said actuating switches and each provided with an electro-responsive actuator, and an energizing circuit for each of said electro-responsive actuators, each of said energizing circuits including a different interconnected contact group of said stepper switch means and being completed only when said second control switch is actuated.

3. In combination in an apparatus of the type described, an in-feeding conveyor; off-bearing sorter means including a plurality of electrically controlled power means for selectively operating said sorter means; a plurality of actuating circuits each connected to control one of said power means and each including an actuating switch; a plurality of time delay devices each arranged to operate one of said actuating switches and each provided with an electro-responsive actuator; a movable control member synchronized with said in-feeding conveyor and including a plurality of equally spaced actuating dogs each movable between a first and a second position; a first control switch positioned adjacent said control member and arranged to be actuated successively by each dog of said member as it passes said first control switch; a pair of resettable stepper switches each provided with an electroresponsive stepping device; a stepper energizing circuit including said first control switch and a contactor arranged to selectively connect the circuit to energize either of said stepping devices, the stepper switch so selectively operated functioning to count the number of times said first control switch is actuated and thus the number of dogs of said control member passing said switch; a second control switch positioned adjacent said control member and arranged to be actuated successively by only such of said dogs as are in said second position; means responsive to actuation of said second control switch for simultaneously resetting whichever of said stepper switches is operating at the time of actuation of said second switch and operating said contactor to connect said energizing circuit to energize the stepping device of the other of said stepper switches so that the count of said dogs will not be interrupted by reason of the time required to reset said stepper switches, and means controlled jointly by said second control switch and said stepper switches for selectively energizing the electro-responsive actuators of said time delay devices in accordance with the stepper count at the time said second control switch is actuated.

ROBERT L. SMITH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,868,894 Glohn July 26, 1932 2,194,381 Cadman Mar. 19, 1940 2,227,778 'Fischbach et a1. Jan. 7, 1941 2,497,874 Evans et a1 Feb. 21, 1950 

